New Zealand High Commission London, United Kingdom

New High Commissioner for New Zealand arrives in London

We are pleased to announce the arrival of our new High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr the Rt Hon Lockwood Smith. Dr Smith and his wife Alexandra were officially welcomed to New Zealand House today with a powhiri.

“I’m delighted to be here and feel very honoured to be able to take up this esteemed role. The UK remains hugely important to New Zealand in so many ways,” Dr Smith says.

Dr Smith was most recently the Speaker of the NZ House of Representatives (2008-2013). He first entered Parliament in 1984 and is a former Minister of Education, Agriculture, Trade, Tourism and Deputy Finance.

“I’m looking forward to using my past experience and new position to further New Zealand’s interests here, and to build on the longstanding and invaluable relationship we have with the United Kingdom,” Says Dr Smith.

Dr Smith is a keen sportsman and fitness enthusiast. He is a trained opera singer and also runs a beef farming operation with his wife, Alexandra.